Hisham Tawfiq's journey in the arts began with a profound experience in his high school English class, where he recited Maya Angelou's poem "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" with remarkable passion. This spark ignited a fire within him, driving him to pursue his dreams in the world of acting.
Tawfiq's academic and professional trajectory took him to the renowned Negro Ensemble Theatre Company, where he had the privilege of studying alongside esteemed actors such as Denzel Washington, Ossie Davis, and Phylicia Rashad. He also had the opportunity to work with acting coach Susan Batson, who has coached notable actors like Nicole Kidman, Tom Cruise, and Jennifer Connelly.
Throughout his career, Tawfiq has drawn upon his life experiences and extensive training to inform his choices as an actor and artist. He has played a wide range of roles, from a Marine in Desert Storm to a correction officer in Sing Sing, and even one of New York's bravest firefighters.
Tawfiq's impressive résumé includes a series regular role on BET's groundbreaking drama "Gun Hill," where he played Capt. Sanford, commanding a counter-crime task force. He has also appeared in various TV dramas, including FX's "Lights Out," NBC's "Law & Order SVU," "Law & Order Criminal Intent," "Kings," and "The Guiding Light."
Most recently, Tawfiq has captivated audiences with his portrayal of Dembe, the trusted right-hand man of James Spader's Raymond Reddington on NBC's hit series "The Blacklist." With his extensive experience in the entertainment industry, Hisham Tawfiq is undoubtedly a talented actor on the rise, transcending his roots in Harlem to make a lasting impact in Hollywood.
